Grateful Dead Set Guinness World Record Title for Most Top 40 Albums Charted on Billboard 200
Photo: Herb Greene
The Grateful Dead have claimed a new title.
Today, 60 years after the band performed their first gig, a San Jose Acid Test, under the dictionary-plucked moniker, the psychedelic tripsters have received the Guinness World Records title for the most Top 40 albums charted on the US Billboard 200.
The prestigious achievement dovetails with February 2024’s crowning achievement: a record-breaking 59th Top 40 entry, surpassing previous record holders Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. San Francisco’s finest has since extended their own record to 66 Top 40 albums with the inclusion of #25 debut of Dave’s Picks Vol. 56: Rainbow Theatre, London, England – 3/20/81 & 3/21/81 this past November. The streak began in 1970 when Workingman’s Dead peaked at #27.
“This Guinness World Records title is something that no one could have anticipated 60 years ago when the Grateful Dead began, but the record demonstrates the dedication, passion, and loyalty of the massive legion of Dead Heads, as well as the consistent quality of the Grateful Dead’s recorded output and archival activities over the past six decades,” says David Lemieux, Grateful Dead legacy manager and archivist, and producer/ curator of the Dave’s Picks series.
“We’re excited to see the Grateful Dead reach another milestone with this Guinness World Records title. Rhino has been committed to preserving and honoring the Grateful Dead’s legacy through quality archival releases. What a wonderful way to close out their 60th anniversary celebrations,” adds Mark Pinkus, President of Rhino Records.
The Dead’s newly certified Guinness World Record status arrives amid a triumphant and historic year for the ensemble and its enduring legacy, which included recognition in the 47th class of the Kennedy Center Honorees and 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year rank, and resulting concert.
Rhino also released the Grateful Dead’s first official greatest hits compilation, Gratest Hits, as well as a sprawling 60-CD collection, dubbed Enjoying the Ride, in addition to The Music Never Stops box set.
